The 4400 corn headers are designed to handle increasing corn yields and tougher corn plants. With the increased productivity of the Axial-Flow^® combines, the double roller chains run in an oil bath, to operate the row units in 8 and 12 and 16 row corn headers. It gives them the ability to handle the toughest and heaviest crop conditions at the maximum reliabilty. The row unit gearboxes themselves are a heavy-duty design, with the main gear box housing made from aluminum for reduced header weight. All row units are slip clutch protected and run in an oil bath for quiet running and high reliability.

A perfect chop is essential with corn stalks, speeding up and enhancing their decomposition and preventing stalk borer pests from overwintering in the crop. With the 4400 header the corn plants are pulled down by high speed stalk rollers fitted with hardened knives, to ensure a proper grip on the plant to prevent the straw from entering the combine. Optional stalk choppers are available for each row, chopping the stubble close to ground, and to chop the straw pulled down by the rollers. The chopped straw is spread evenly over the rows for fast decomposition. The choppers can be engaged or disengaged separately for every row when the header is used in very stony conditions.

Simplicity is key when it comes to servicing. On 4400 series headers the row unit dividers can easily be opened one handed, with gas struts providing assistance. Every header also comes with a spring tension release tool for removing the gathering chain. To move quickly from one field to another without leaving the comfort of the cab, both six- and eight-row headers are available in a foldable configuration.

Designing a header capable of taking on any challenge it’s likely to face in the field, is a tall order. The 3100 draper header handles every crop in its stride. The cam action reel lifts the crop and draws it over the cutterbar, before gently laying it on the belt. The reel is adjustable from the cab to help feeding in different conditions. The 3100 series draper headers have been developed to allow the full capacity of Case IH Axial-Flow combines to be exploited, but while this means they match the high forward speeds attainable, that’s not at the cost of grain losses. Grain-saving belts are designed to harvest more and retain all grain. The narrow end dividers minimise crop knock down, particularly when cutting out of the row, while the gentle yet rugged belts maximise throughput and capacity. An optional top auger can be fitted to allow even and unrestricted crop flow into the combine when working in tough rape/canola straw and dense straw conditions.

Among the most innovative features of Case IH combine header design is the patented central knife drive, which powers the two phased knives from the middle of the header, resulting in smooth running without vibrations. For reduced wear and longer life, the knife drive runs in an oil bath. An integrated stone trap collects stones and soil to ensure contamination cannot reach the grain tank and the chances of combine internal damage are minimised.

Simple reversing of the belts and the auger. When combining has recommenced, side belt drive is delayed by 3-5 to ensure a smooth crop flow to the feeder.